Contents
Description
Astragalus Canadensis, commonly known as the Canada Milk Vetch or Wild Liquorice, is a herbaceous plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found from Alaska to California and east to the Mississippi River. The plant typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet and has a spread of up to 2 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Angiospermae |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Astragalus |
Appearance
The Astragalus Canadensis plant has a slender, branching stem with alternate, pinnate leaves that are made up of 15-25 leaflets. The leaves are green and hairy, with a length of up to 6 inches. The plant produces small, pea-like flowers that are usually pink or purple in color and have a length of up to 1 inch. The flowers bloom in late spring and early summer and are followed by small, oblong seed pods that contain several seeds.
Care Guide
The Astragalus Canadensis plant requires moderate care and attention to thrive. Here are some care tips to consider:Water: Water the plant regularly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The plant can grow in USDA hardiness zones 3-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Astragalus Canadensis plant is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by aphids, leafhoppers, and spider mites. Root rot can also be a problem if the soil is too waterlogged.
Habitat
The Astragalus Canadensis plant is commonly found in meadows, prairies, and along roadsides. It prefers well-draining soil and can grow in both wet and dry conditions. The plant is also known to attract butterflies and bees.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Astragalus Canadensis plant toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence to suggest that the plant is toxic to pets. However, it is always best to keep pets away from plants to avoid accidental ingestion.Q: Can the Astragalus Canadensis plant be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the plant’s root system.Q: How often should the Astragalus Canadensis plant be pruned?
A: The plant does not require regular pruning. However, it is a good idea to remove any dead or damaged branches to encourage new growth.Q: Can the Astragalus Canadensis plant be propagated by cuttings?
A: Yes, the plant can be propagated by cuttings taken in early summer. The cuttings should be placed in a rooting hormone and then planted in well-draining soil.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Astragalus Canadensis:- Astragalus alpinus- Astragalus lentiginosus- Astragalus membranaceus- Astragalus mollissimus- Astragalus racemosus
References
– USDA Plants Database. (n.d.). Astragalus canadensis var. canadensis. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ASCA3- Missouri Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Astragalus canadensis. Retrieved from https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281299&isprofile=0&- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. (n.d.). Astragalus canadensis. Retrieved from https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=ASCA3
